AME 3623: Embedded Real-Time Systems (Spring 2007)

This course provides an introduction to integrated hardware/software
solutions in computational systems with sensing and actuation. Today,
devices including microwave ovens, VCRs, high-speed trains,
automobiles, cochlear implants, and artificial limbs routinely employ
a variety of embedded microcontrollers for process control. We will
explore the concepts fundamental to these applications while designing
and building our own robot controllers.

This is a very hands-on class: every student will
be involved in the design, implementation, and programming for the
laboratory exercises. Note that this component of the class will
involve a non-trivial amount of time; students should plan their
schedules accordingly.

Topics will include:

digital logic and Boolean Algebra,

sequential logic,

number representations and arithmetic,

basic processor design,

embedded system development environments,

processor input/output implementations and electronic interfaces,

serial protocols and implementation,

controller design and implementation,

basics of operating systems (including concurrency and
real-time issues), and